Quote:
Originally Posted by coyote
There’s a lot to admire about the Robber Barrons. Take John D. Rockefeller, did the average American benefit from his company Standard Oil? I would say yes. His innovations brought down the price of oil so that the average American, not just the rich, could afford to illuminate their homes. What’s wrong with that?
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That's like saying the vikings were innovating in finding gold and producing food when they raped, pillaged, and plundered.
One can argue that the Vikings and other barbarian raiders were useful because they unlocked the stored capital of the feudal merchantile centers that considered gaining and holding capital in treasuries and granaries was what made a kingdom great. And Adam Smith was making the point that it wasn't what was in the treasuries that made nation great.
But as you view robber barons so highly, and you consider liberals to be robber barrons, you should be supporting Obama for president and hoping for a liberal landslide in November.